365 days with Ezra Nehemiah Larson

My final days...

Within 24 hrs

I think I have one of these of Josh with each of the kiddos!

Trying to be a Mama's helper...She is smiling a) because there is a camera in her face, and b) because she knows we will be picking him up within seconds!

The Larson's.  Exactly seven days after our Little Man joined us in the flesh!

The girls STILL love him to pieces!

This picture is for Grandma Larson.  Josh came home in this outfit, and Grandma has waited five and a half years to see another little Larson Man wear this outfit!

Pictures are out of order...this is Ezra as we know him today!

Checking out the scenery from the safety of  Mama's ring sling.

PapaT's first Little Larson Man.  It was love at first sight!

Ezra has ALWAYS been a smiler!  I love his smiles and joy!

Chillin'.

The Boy found his fingers early, and has stuck with them!

Handsome trying out outfits for Aunt Joanna's wedding.

Loving the warm weather.

"What's this you say?  You DON'T want me crawling?"

Aunt Joanna and Ez-Bo.

Handsome and his favorite Shalom.  They have pretty much the same temperament, except he has a smidge more get-up-and-go...but both wear a Happy-Go-Lucky hat!

No, Mama, I will not stay in my seat, even if you buckle me in!

Handsome is as Handsome does.

What do you mean I can't walk along furniture at 8-9 months old?  I'm doing it, and mighty proud too!

Ezra Nehemiah:  A Walking Machine!

God certainly knew what he was doing when he sent up Ezra.  Both Shalom and Ezra came into our lives during a very trying time.  Shalom was given to us (and named) by God after a time of frustration, and anxiousness.  Her name means Peace God has Obtained, and she has brought along a whole lot of joy and happiness with her!  =D  Ezra came at a time of great strife and turmoil for the Larsons.  His name means Help and Comfort of Jehovah...and he also brought a whole lot of joy with him!  Both of these gifts remind me of the Psalm that says, " Weeping may endure for a night, but Joy comes in the morning."  Shalom and Ezra brought the new dawn with them when they came. 

You know what else comes new in the morning?  New mercies.  Jeremiah wrote in Lamentations 3:22, 23, " 22 It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed , because his compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."

Because of God's compassion, we are not consumed.  He brings us new mercies each morning.  He brings us, or opens our eyes to the Peace, Joy, Help and Comfort that is around us.  Amazing, isn't He?

Thank you, God, for the help and comfort you sent to Josh and me, through our kiddos!